Singapore grapples with its citizens not staying home following a weekend surge of infections while Malaysians will have to wait till May to get their hair cut after its lockdown was extended and hair salons no longer allowed to operate.
The long weekend also saw some revelers in Thailand and Indonesia busted for neglecting COVID-19 rules. Five were arrested in the former for live streaming their Thai New Year’s celebrations in defiance of emergency measures. Over on Bali, a video of another party has sparked outraged complaints over the revelers’ disregard for social distancing.
The closure of many clinics in Hong Kong due to the Easter holiday led to a slight increase in reports of new infections today. Only five new cases were reported, including a baby who was recently in the United Kingdom.
Markets slid throughout the region today.
More updates from Coconuts’ newsrooms in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong:
Singapore
- Singapore updated its coronavirus measures again over the weekend, including S$300 (US$210) fines for those who flout the rules on the first offense.
- Confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 2,532 after 233 new infections were reported last night.
- New clusters of infections include one linked to McDonald’s staff, one linked to the Immigration and Checkpoints Building and another linked to the Black Tap restaurant at Marina Bay Sands.
- Around 24 clusters now linked to migrant worker dormitories, construction sites, and construction companies. A total of 365 cases now linked to the worst-hit S11 Dormitory @ Punggol, followed by 80 at the Sungei Tengah Lodge and 76 at the Westlite Toh Guan Dormitory.
- Singapore’s death toll rose to eight over the weekend. The cause of death for the man who posthumously tested positive was ruled as Ischemic heart disease.
Malaysia
- Malaysia has extended its lockdown to April 28 as coronavirus cases continue to rise.
- Barbers and hair salons are no longer allowed to operate during the lockdown. They were listed on Friday in an expanded list of businesses allowed to operate. It drew criticism as it would be difficult to practice safe-distancing at barbers and hair salons.
- Confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 4,817 and the death toll to 77. The latest death involves a 62-year-old man in Malacca who also had heart and kidney disease as well as hypertension.
Hong Kong
- Hong Kong reported only five new cases today, pushing the total number of infections to 1,009. The new cases include a 14-month-old baby who was recently in the United Kingdom.
- A health official said that the recent slow increase in reported infections was likely due to the closure of many private clinics over the Easter weekend.
Indonesia
- Indonesia’s Transport Ministry has allowed ride-hailing motorcyclists to pick up passengers despite a ban by the Health Ministry.
- A video of foreigners partying and disregarding social-distancing rules on Bali has sparked outrage.
- Indonesia’s Islamic clerical body today warned Muslims against the annual Eid holiday exodus, which is expected to take place in late May. In an announcement, a representative said: “If you claim to be a religious person, you must follow the prophet’s advice of staying in one area when there’s an outbreak.”
- Confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 4,557 with 316 new infections reported today. The death toll has risen to 399.
Philippines
- The Department of Education has postponed all graduation ceremonies until after the COVID-19 pandemic ends.
- Education Secretary Leonor Briones appears to have recovered from COVID-19 after testing negative for the disease. The 79-year-old was the second cabinet minister to contract it.
- Confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 4,932 and the death toll to 315.
Thailand
- Five people have been arrested after they live-streamed their Thai New Year celebrations despite the government’s order to cancel such events.
- Alcohol is now banned nationwide after Bangkok imposed the rule last week. Find out how long the ban lasts for each province here.
- Confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 2,579 and the death toll to 40.
Myanmar
- Coronavirus cases stand at 41 and the death toll at four.
